Research: Community centres in the Past:

the 1960s- a rise:

- more than hundred of them sprung up like mushrooms island wide in SG
- 60 community centres were established in 1961 alone
- became places to hold celebratory events, such as the Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, National Day (after 1965) and send-off dinners for the early batches of National Servicemen (after 1967)
- Send-off dinners and ceremonies of the early batches of National Servicemen were mostly held at the community centres
- other common activities included children camps and exhibitions of national campaigns
- inter-community centre games were such as basketball, sepak takraw, and even boxing

Problems faced and solutions in the early 1960s:

- society members often infiltrated the centres

-  pro-communist groups tried their means to enter the organisation and management committees

- Chinese-educated grassroots leaders, consisting of businessmen, teachers and even shopkeepers and hawkers contributed effortlessly in time and money in the building of the community centres and the cohesiveness and harmony of the different communities

- played an instrumental role during the racial riots in 1964. They provided secure venues where different community leaders came together to discuss plans in defusing the rising racial tensions

1970s:

- models of single wooden structures for community centres were discontinued

- larger double- or three-storey concrete buildings were built and fitted with modern amenities such as air-condition, general purpose rooms and better sports facilities

-  new modern courses and classes were also offered to the residents, such as tai chi, fencing, interior decoration, canoeing, yoga, cooking and flower arrangement

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Summary:
The community centres can be national icons that have been around for a long time. They have evolved with time, along with the change in economy.

- Mani